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WHAT HAPPENED?
Bonmati, who won the prestigious Golden Ball for a second consecutive year, revealed her conversation with Barca men’s star Yamal after the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris. The midfielder said that she had offered the youngster to get a feel of the award, however, the 17-year-old refused out of fear he would jeopardise his hopes of winning the prize in the future.
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GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Yamal was named the world’s best youngster as he received the Kopa Trophy 2024 for an outstanding campaign for Barcelona and Spain. The young winger appeared in 50 matches across all competitions for the Blaugrana and then starred in Spain’s European Championship win in Germany this summer.
WHAT AITANA BONMATI SAID
Speaking to reporters in Paris, the 26-year-old said: “He asked me first if it had my name on it.”
To which the midfielder asked: “Do you want to touch it?”.
Yamal in turn then said: “I won’t touch it, that’s a jinx.”
Bonmati also spoke highly of men’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, saying: “I was excited to share it with Rodri because it is out of the ordinary, it breaks with stereotypes, you don’t have social networks… and he is a great player. The figure of the midfielders was valued, who together with the defenders are more in the shadows. We are the engine of the team, and I was happy because I had two very good years.”
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
The Ballon d’Or winner will be back in action for the Catalan giants on Saturday as they take on Eibar in the league. Yamal, on the other hand, will take the field for Hansi Flick’s side on Sunday against Espanyol in La Liga.
